Community Action moving offices to Beloit

The move will not effect programming the organization offers in and around Janesville, Community Action Executive Director Lisa Furseth said in a news release. The nonprofit group works to reduce and prevent poverty.

Combining the administrative and program staff under one roof at the organization's Beloit offices, 20 Eclipse Center, will reduce overhead costs and increase staff collaboration, Furseth said.

The changes also could be an opportunity for the city of Janesville. Community Action's Janesville offices are located at 200 W. Milwaukee St., in a building owned by the city. The group's move opens up a location with on-site parking, a valuable commodity downtown.

The city bought the building more than a decade ago because it was “basically overflowing at the municipal building,” said Jay Winzenz, acting city manager.

The department of housing and neighborhood services occupied the Milwaukee Street building. Eventually, the Janesville Police Department was moved from the basement of the Municipal Building to its own building across the street.

Housing and neighborhood services then moved back into the Municipal Building, and the Milwaukee Street building was leased to Community Action.

Janesville city officials will consider if they need additional space. If not, they'll make a decision to lease or sell the building.

“It used to be our long-term strategy to acquire the properties on Franklin Street,” said Winzenz. “That's another conversation we will have to have.”

The building's parking lot is often used after hours for patrons of O'Riley and Conway's Irish Pub, which is next door to the building.

Community Action is scheduled to move in early December.

The organization's Early Learning Center, 2230 Center Ave., Janesville; the First Choice Health Center and Wisconsin Well Woman Program, 1015 Burbank Ave., Janesville, and the weatherization program at 3310 S. Highway 51, Janesville, will not move.